DOJ initial findings only confirm lapses in drug war —Robredo

The Department of Justice's (DOJ) initial report on 52 drug war cases under the Duterte administration confirmed the long-overdue observation that there are lapses in the government's harsh crackdown against narcotics, Vice President Leni Robredo said Sunday.

In her weekly radio program, Robredo welcomed the DOJ's initial report, adding that it could guarantee accountability for those responsible for the drug-related killings. 

"Actually, 'di pa tapos ang imbestigasyon ng DOJ pero ang initial findings kino-confirm niya lang 'yung alam nating matagal na maraming lapses," Robredo said.

(Actually, the DOH is not yet finished with its investigation but the initial findings confirm the lapses in the drug war which we already knew before.)

"Tapos 'yung initial na nilabas na findings 'yung sinabing pinatay kasi nanlaban. Sabi ng DOJ, walang ebidensiya na humawak ng baril, walang ebidensiya na nagpaputok ng baril gaya ng claim doon sa reports," she added.

(Initial findings covered those who died because they allegedly fought back. But the DOJ found that there is no evidence that the suspects used a gun. There was no evidence the victims fired guns contrary to claims in reports.)

Robredo also called for justice for the drug war victims' kin, who are still seeking the truth behind these deaths.

During her visit at the turnover of cremated remains of drug war fatalities to their families earlier this month, Robredo found out that some victims' kin were being forced to sign a report to make it appear that their relative died of pneumonia.

"Noong nag-attend ako noong turnover ng mga urns, 'yung isang asawa nagkuwento na pinatay 'yung asawa niya pero pinapirma siya sa isang report na namatay 'yung asawa niya dahil sa pneumonia," she said.

(When I attended the turnover of urns, a spouse revealed that her husband was killed in a drug operation but she was asked to sign a report to make it look like her husband died of pneumonia.)

The latest DOJ findings showed that several suspects in the anti-drug operations were negative for gunpowder nitrates, which contradicted police reports that the suspects fought back. 

Malacañang maintained President Rodrigo Duterte's innocence, adding that Duterte was not responsible for the killings based on the DOJ's findings.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the DOJ's move shows that the State is fulfilling its obligation to protect and promote the right to life, as well as accord the victims an effective domestic remedy through filing of charges to ensure that those guilty will be prosecuted and punished.

Several human rights groups, meanwhile, said the DOJ report was only the tip of the iceberg, adding that punishment against lawmen involved was inconsequential.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), meanwhile, welcomed the DOJ's published review on 52 drug war cases.

CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the publication of the DOJ's review may encourage witnesses to come out and participate in the resolution of the cases. —KG, GMA News